Injury setback for Topley

Reece Topley looks set to miss the remainder of the cricket season after suffering a recurrence of a stress fracture in his lower back.

The Polstead bowler's form of late had seen him come under consideration for a return to the limited-overs England squad.

However, after feeling pain in his back while bowling for England Lions earlier this week, a subsequent scan revealed the same injury to the one he suffered 12 months ago.

It means that the 24-year-old ­— currently of Hampshire – not only faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but it has also severely lessened his chances of earning an England recall before next year's Cricket World Cup.

It is the fifth back stress fracture Topley has suffered in the last six years.